Book Review: The Land Is Everything. Edited by Tasha Hubbard and Marilyn Poitras
- Winston McLean | April 21, 2015
On March 2, 2015, Treaty Commissioner George Lafond re-released his office’ publication of The Land Is Everything: Treaty Land Entitlement to commemorate the work of his predecessor and the first, modern day Treaty Commissioner, Cliff Wright.
Cliff Wright passed away December 9, 2014. On hand at the re-release at Station 20 West in Saskatoon, was Cliff Wright’s son, Lorne.
While the stated purpose of the book is to tell the story of how Treaty Land Entitlement is the story of honouring the Treaties and the legacy TLE is leaving in its wake, a consistent and underlying theme is how we are all tied to the land through Treaty.
Twelve stories relating to TLE are told in the book, skillfully edited by Tasha Hubbard and Marilyn Poitras.
While every chapter reveals deep insights about the land, Treaties, TLE, and progress, three stories stand out.
Elder Danny Musqua collaborated with Tasha Hubbard on “Treaties are Written Into the Land.” By now, almost everyone in Saskatchewan has heard the phrase, “We are all Treaty people.” However, as Elder Musqua explains it, Treaty making is an ancient and sacred practice with a rich history. A story that is still unfolding.
Harry Swain’s article, “Negotiating Treaty Land Entitlement” tells the inside, behind the scenes story of how the TLE agreement was secured. This account could have been painfully dry and mind-numbingly boring. However, Mr. Swain has a knack for weaving a story that is engaging and intriguing, often because of his ability to turn a phrase.
The chapters done by Doug Cuthand, Chief Marie-Ann Day Walker-Pelletier and Terrance Pelletier are worth reading for they tell the stories of what went on behind the scenes after the deal was signed in 1992. For those unfamiliar with land claims, these perspectives shed light on the mysterious reserve creation process.
There are several more stories in Hubbard and Poitras’ work. Each one a unique and different perspective.
The re-release of The Land Is Everything is a testament to the fact that when people are in the right places at the right times, great things can happen.
It must have been a revelation to Cliff Wright’s son to hear how his father’s work set in motion something that would transform so many lives and entire communities.
By all accounts, Cliff Wright was in the right place and the right time, and we are still benefiting from his legacy. The book is a great reminder that we are all tied to the land and that the work is not yet done creating a better future for everyone.
Related story: Office of Treaty Commissioner launches new book
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